NatRoad submission focuses on safety, productivity

NatRoad has submitted a funding wish list to the Federal Government&#8217;s Infrastructure Australia, calling for greater investment to increase safety

NatRoad has submitted a funding wish list to the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Australia, calling for greater investment to increase safety and productivity on the nation’s highways.

As expected, the lobby group is pushing for the Eton Range on the Peak Downs Highway to be realigned because of its inability to sustain current and future traffic levels in light of new mines being constructed in the area.

The range is an important B-double route, but the poor state of the road has caused vehicles to jack-knife and slide backwards.

NatRoad also says a bypass at Walkerston near the Eton Range is "urgently required" due to the high level of highway traffic.

The submission also details the poor safety and insufficient overtaking opportunities on the Princes Highway, saying funding is needed to improve the highway’s alignment and safety.

"NatRoad believes that the logistical importance of the Princes Highway justifies extensive examination and upgrading," the submission says.

The group also called for more funding for the Goulburn Valley Highway to increase safety and productivity.

"It is vital that funds are devoted to this highway to improve the competitiveness of products within the Goulburn Valley region by reducing freight costs between Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland," the submission states.

It says route improvements will also reduce accidents.

NatRoad also highlighted the need to improve Gocup Road, which is between Tumut and Gundagei.

The submission argues it is a vital freight route because it serves the expanding timber industry in the area.

It also generates about $1 billion by way of exports and imports, according to the submission.

As well as requesting road infrastructure requirements, NatRoad also raised the ongoing issue of the lack of rest areas along Australia’s main freight routes.

"Also, the need for consistency of road freight transport regulation was noted," a statement from NatRoad says.

"NatRoad concluded that the projects and regulatory proposals in the submission are vital to national infrastructure improvement."